What does "Test Flakiness" refer to in visual testing?

Test flakiness, in the context of visual testing, refers to inconsistent test results that can arise from various environmental factors. This means that even if the application being tested remains unchanged, the tests may yield different results due to fluctuations in conditions such as server load, network latency, or differences in the test environment. This inconsistency can lead to confusion and wasted resources, as tests may falsely indicate failures or successes that do not accurately reflect the actual state of the application.

Understanding test flakiness is essential for ensuring reliable visual testing processes. It highlights the importance of maintaining a stable testing environment and considering external factors that may affect test outcomes. Addressing flakiness often involves refining test scripts, stabilizing the testing environment, and ensuring that configurations and dependencies are consistent.